Held: September 12, 2002, Revelstoke, B.C.
Co-Chairman: Bob Gardalli
Members in Attendance:
Management: Stan Bell, Tim Marinier, Brad Riches
Union Reps: J. Wells (BMWE), P. Bede (BLE), B. Gardali (UTU)
Guests: V. Graham, Asst. Vice-President Engineering, B. Black, BMWE H&S Rep
Meeting called to order 0835. Minutes of July 11, 2002 meeting read and adopted.
Field Ops – Site Inspection Field Bunkhouse, Sofa Audits, Pusher Service
E/S – Risk Assessment Shaughnessy Tunnel.
- BC District H&S Meeting held Aug 15 – framework reviewed.
- 50% complete Safety Framework Activities
Item 9912-02: J. Wells requested washer/dryers be provided for means to clean work clothes which have been contaminated. (Referred to Canada Labour Code COSH9.44(4)). Item elevated to ES System H&S Policy Committee.
Action (0209) Washers/dryers installed at Salmon Arm, Chase and Kamloops. Revelstoke and Golden remain outstanding. K. Jones to be contacted by B. Riches to determine if estimates are complete –
T. Marinier will review and approve as required for installation to go forward.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0103-04: P. Bede inquired re possibility of increasing speed restriction for new potash cars from 15 to 20 mph.
Action (0209) Elevated to Policy Committee. Stan Bell to contact S. Sabatini to determine Risk Assessment. T. Marinier to investigate E/S concerns. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0111-02: P. Bede requested switch stands be identified with mileage or location.
Action (0209) Locations identified where clarification is needed would be Ross Peak and Golden.
This would also have to be coordinated with the RTC office. Golden is complete.
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0201-04: R. Mellish requested light be installed at Chase (westend)
Action (0207) Site identified for installation. T. Marinier to investigate with regard to any installation regulations or problems. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0202-01: B. Gardali reported Cranbrook RTEs are obtaining headlamps. Requested testing for
Revelstoke.
Action (0209) Headlamps have been distributed to Revelstoke crews, well received. Bob Gardali will
continue to monitor distribution. MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0204-03: P. Bede questioned re requirement of installation of sliding derails for setting off units at Rogers, Chase, Ducks and Moberly.
Action (0209) Holger advised committee according to SPC standards, a hinged derail is standard for locations where derailing speed would be under 9 mph; over 9-15 mph a hinged derail with crowder or sliding derail with crowder is standard. Committee discussed and recommended Rogers would be a preferable location for a sliding derail.
Further discussion resulted in recommendation of testing derail speed at this location which will help determine what would be required (ie over 15 mph a switch point derail).
MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0205-01: J. Wells reported there are 5 barrels of unidentified contents at Tappen that should be removed. Jim indicated all his efforts to have Environmental personnel remove them has not resulted in any action to date. Requested assistance from the H&S Committee.
Action (0209) Barrels have been removed. MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0206-01: K. Jones expressed a concern with regard to slope assessment being done before employees are sent into an area of concern (eg Mi. 100 Mtn). He requested a policy be put into place.
Action (0209) T. Marinier advised Committee that TMS’s are to assess these situations during daylight hours by means of helicopter, etc to determine safety on a case by case basis. However, the employees do have the right to refuse as covered by the Canada Labour Code if they feel their safety is in jeopardy. He further stated that during night hours, where the site cannot be visually assessed, the area will be shut down for safety reasons. Holger will continue to monitor in respect to advice from Ministry of Transportation and Parks. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0207-01: P. Bede reported eye wash station missing at Field Bunkhouse.
Action (0209) Replacement ordered and in place. MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0207-02: J. Meloro reported cotton gloves currently supplied to E/S crews are not satisfactory – one size does not fit all – also poor quality for some areas of work.
Action (0209) Committee discussed and felt current practice in place is satisfactory. B. Riches advised gloves are supplied by Supply Services and they do have a supply for various jobs and weather. If there is an employee that requires a special size – they are supplied as required. Will carry to discuss with J. Meloro at next meeting. MOTION TO CARRY
Item 0207-03: J. Meloro reported ongoing tamping problem with Laurie Sheds (M.95.6), mud and water – difficult and potential hazard to tamp with hydraulic tools. He mentioned an SHR was submitted last year requesting the Mark 4 machine and surfacing crew be utilized. He reported the machine is in area and requested if they can be scheduled to tamp at this location
Action (0209) B. Riches informed committee that the Mark 4 is at the Laurie Sheds. He further advised a manifold is being developed/tested for trucks. MOTION TO DELETE
Item 0207-04: K. Jones reported decals missing on signal masts at Stoney Creek West (and possibly other locations – Beavermouth?
Action (0209) TMS Sadek / S&C Supervisor S Peters to advise. MOTION TO CARRY
CORRESPONDENCE & BUSINESS ARISING
B. Black expressed concern with regard to problem of communication/confirmation and cancelling of H&S Committee meetings. Federal regulations requires a minimum of 9 meetings per calendar year and suggested each Committee review with regard to a possible summer break. There should be an agenda sent out, confirming if the meeting is cancelled or not. Also, if the member cannot attend, it is up to them to contact their Alternate.
The Revelstoke Committee discussed and felt they would continue with their monthly meeting unless unforeseen circumstances prevented it. An Agenda is sent out on a regular basis.
Stan Bell will contact Cranbrook and Golden to ensure they review these requirements.
INCIDENT REVIEW
Incident Location Cause Prev. Measures
| Strained muscles left leg-leaving vehicle |
LTI FOPS |
M.64.5 Mtn 07-14 1300 |
Awkward moving exiting vehicle. |
N/A – Stat removed account not part of regular duties |
| Run Thru Switch |
Non FRA |
Golden Yard 07/30 1340 |
Switch not lined for intended movement |
Formal Investigation with crew. Switch repaired by ES |
| Inhalation of diesel fumes changing knuckle (2) |
MIR FoPS |
Laurie Sheds 07/31 1100 |
Changing knuckle – exhaust from remote unit |
Gas mask to be issued to each RTE. |
| Inhalation of diesel fumes cab /Connaught Tunnel (2) |
LTI FOPS |
Connaught 08/02 0615 |
Fumes from preceding train. |
Gas masks to be issued to each RTE. |
| Tripped and fell over railway tie, sore right hand |
MIR FOPS |
Golden Yard 08/04 1000 |
Tripping hazard – failure to observe |
Ensure clear path and firm footing |
| Inhalation of diesel fumes cab / Connaught Tunnel |
MIR FOPS |
Connaught 08/04 1000 |
Fumes from preceding train – cab windows |
Unit reported for repair – gas mask to be issued |
| Hit head inside locomotive cab |
LTI FOPS |
Unit 08/10 0920 |
Low doorway of locomotive |
Suggested hi-viz sticker ‘heads up’ |
| Switch handle ‘stripped’ fell to ground, pain shoulder, elbow, back |
MIR FOPS |
Field Yard 08/10 0920 |
Defective switch handle |
E/S notified for repairs |
| Poor seat in cab – sore back |
MIR FOPS |
CP9004 08/17 0001 |
Poor seating in unit CP9004 |
Units have been reported as poor leaders/seats are being changed out. |
| Stiff Raycor switch – back strain left side |
MIR FOPS |
Golden Yard 08/17 0500 |
Raycor switch “stiff” |
E/S notified for repairs. “Tough to Throw” switch tag program implemented. |
| Stiff switch #102 – stiff neck |
MIR FOPS |
Golden Yard 08/27 0900 |
Switch #102 “stiff” to throw |
E/S notified for repairs. “Tough to Throw” switch tag program implemented. |
| Train 471-28 failed to stop at signal 1015. |
CRV FOPS |
M.101.50 Mt 08/30 0601 |
Failure of train crew to properly control movement |
Formal Investigation |
| Train 471-30 derailed one car |
Non FRA |
M.67.4 Mtn 08/31 0943 |
Wheel tread failure |
Mechanical Services to repair |
| Run Through Switch |
Non FRA |
Golden Yard 09/02 0350 |
Failure to line switch for intended movement |
Formal investigation |
| Train 472-01 derailed 12 cars |
FRA |
M.97.5 Mtn 09/03 0215 |
Cause to be determined |
Investigating |
| Food poisoning |
LTI FOPS |
M.57.3 Mtn 09/06 1600 |
Employee had eaten yogurt not refrigerated |
N/A |
| Detraining, jumped down to ballast, injured foot |
LTI FOPS |
M.120.5 Shu 09/08 2050 |
Low ballast in area, jumped down |
Reminded to look out for proper footing |
SAFETY HAZARD REPORTS (Incomplete)
SHR 0112-07: Snow conditions while operating on heavy grades – suggest advanced clear to stop signals on all heavy grades.
Action (0209) New CTC system is scheduled over the next few years – Committee should advise of all requests for changing (in priority order) to S&C for consideration.
Mountain Sub – Signal 899M Ross Peak
- Signal 885M Intermediate Ross Peak
- Signal 955 Intermediate Illecillewaet
- Signal 1015 Downie
- Signal 745C Intermediate Griffith
P. Mason developing list for Shuswap. P. Bede will have for next meeting.
MOTION TO CARRY
SHR 0202-06: Requirement of proper intake exhaust system for welding shop fumes.
Action (0209) K. Jones advised B. Tully has been contacted, waiting for report. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR 0207-03: Bank assessment account recent slide activity at M.100.5 Mountain Sub.
Action (0209) Holger Jarche advises a detailed written report is forthcoming from the Geotechnical Dept. Chris Bunce, Senior Geotechnical Engineer, advises the slope is relatively stable as long as the weather is dry. During heavy rains and especially at night, working in this area is not recommended. It appears the long term solution is track relocation and the construction of a catchment area and slide fence. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR 0207-08: Hydraulic tools overheating on BTMF trucks.
Action (0209) A. Pawson, Manager Vehicle Support advises a new manifold has been developed and currently being tested. A Safety Advisory Bulletin has been issued. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR 0207-11: Macdonald Tunnel east portal (both sides) – track material scattered in front of gas mask boxes and OPS sensors.
Action (0209) TMS S. Sadek advises material has been moved, however steel gang is in tunnel now but advises he will ensure they clean up. Motion to carry until tunnel project complete and site inspection done. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR 0207-12: Operating forklift with no training certificate. When is the policy to be implemented or has it?
Action (0209) T. Marinier advises all local supervisors have been advised that only qualified personnel may operate the forklift. Policy is in place and training will be done as required.
MOTION TO DELETE
SAFETY HAZARD REPORTS (New)
SHR 0208-01: Brush obstructing view of signal Revelstoke Yard.
Action (0209) ATMS B. Riches could not determine which signal this report referred to, however further advised brushcutters have been through area. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR 0208-02: Golden south main crossover switch to track #2 – to lock switch and align holes for lock the lock lever for throw arm barely catches and springs back, contacting employee.
Action (0209) TMS Sadak advises switch has been adjusted MOTION TO DELETE
SHR 0208-03: No whistle post for main or siding for eastward movement for crossing yard, Malakwa,M.32.3.
Action (0208) ATMS B. Riches advises 2 new posts have been installed MOTION TO DELETE
SHR 0208-04: Westward whistle post obscured by brush – crossing Mile 3.0 Shuswap south track.
Action (0208) ATMS B. Riches advises brush removed. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR 0208-05: Leaking cab (CP 6005 SD40) overwhelmed by toxic fumes.
Action (0208) Unit was not reported for repair – unit has now been tagged. Measures are currently been undertaken to supply RTE with individual gas masks. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR 0207-04: W. Hayman reported (Sept 9/02) brush blocking view of signal - trains approaching west signal.
Action (0209) TMS Palasz advised the cottonwood trees were all cut down on Sept 10.
MOTION TO DELETE
SHR 0209-01: Whistle post missing (westward) – Pierre’s Point crossing.
Action (0209) TMS R. Miller to advise. MOTION TO CARRY
SHR 0209-02: Clear signal at intermediate for Flat Creek and had stop signal at Flat Creek.
Action (0209) Investigation revealed a lightening strike on power lines near Laurie Sheds caused signal to go red account power outage at Flat Creek. S&C rectified. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR 0209-03: Damaged weather stripping on west platform entrance door in vicinity of handle.
Action (0209) Structures Supervisor J. Creighton advised repaired. MOTION TO DELETE
SHR 0209-04: No. 1 track switch at Tappen requires adjusting.
Action (0209) J. Wells reported repaired. MOTION TO DELETE
REPORTS OF SUB-COMMITTEES
- Mt. Macdonald Tunnel – meet with B. Tully for further air testing – fit testing of gas masks
- Emergency Evacuation Plan – ongoing
DISTRICT SAFETY ADVISORY REPORT - N/A
NEW BUSINESS:
Item 0209-01: P. Bede inquired how long walkway on Bridge 9.5 Mountain will be out of service.
Action (0209) T. Marinier will advise.
Item 020902: P. Bede reported of recent instances where crews are not getting off duty before their hours are
up – even though they have notified as required.
Action (0209) S. Bell to investigate.
Item 0209-03: B. Gardali expressed concern with regard to RTC contacting train crews when the crew was
operating on a Medium to Stop signal which can lead to distraction. Suggested the RTC first determine what signal indication the train is operating under before contact is made with regard to staying OK for trains, etc.
Action (0209) S. Bell to investigate.
Meeting adjourned 1200. Next meeting – 0830 – Thursday, October 10, 2002.
L. Sali for S.W. Bell/ B. Gardali